“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

- Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act

In the 45 years since its enactment, Title IX has opened doors for girls and women from classrooms to playing fields. But despite tremendous progress, challenges to equity in education still exist and opponents have sought to weaken the protections afforded by this landmark civil rights law.

After rescinding critical guidance documents in September 2017, the U.S. Department of Education has now announced a plan to make sweeping changes to Title IX’s regulations, which would have significant implications for students’ civil rights and for federal enforcement of the law.

Title IX is essential to ensuring that our schools are free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. We must speak out against any attacks on Title IX that attempt to diminish these protections – and one of the most powerful ways to do so is by telling our personal stories.

How has Title IX impacted your life? Speak up for Title IX’s importance to equity in education by adding your story below.